Interview with General Krulak
General Charles C. Krulak
is a non executive director at Aston Villa and was part of the team Randy Lerner brought in when he took over Aston Villa. We asked members of our forum to give us questions they would like to ask the General, and here are the selection we chose with the answers.
Hello General, firstly thanks for doing this interview, how are you? and did you have a nice festive period?
My wife and I had a great Holiday Season. Spent most of it with our two children and their wives and our 5 grandchildren.
What's it like working at a club like Aston Villa, and how did you become involved?
It is an honour and a pleasure to be a Director of AVFC. Randy and I became interested in obtaining a Premiership Club while we were here from 2000-2004. We looked at a variety of Clubs and didn't see one that was "right" for Randy. When AVFC became available, we knew it was the "right" one. In reality, it was totally Randy's call...he just knew AVFC was the one.
You are a member on various Aston Villa fan forums across the net, what made you pick those particular websites over other sites?
I chose to go on those forums that asked me first. I am now on 5 which is my limit.
What's the best thing about Aston Villa? And if you could change anything at Villa Park what would it be?
Best thing about the Villa is the environment...positive, traditional, great pride. If I could change anything, it would be to increase the size of the concourses...the lack of space makes many things much more difficult.
What's your view on a safe standing area in Villa Park? Could this happen in the future?
Standing: we will follow the rules of the league.
I'm sure you've heard about the trouble between Aston Villa and Birmingham fans in the past. Birmingham fans have said they plan to smash up the Holte Pub and various areas of villa park before the game at Villa Park. How are Villa looking to prevent this from happening?
Security prior to the Blues game is critical. We will have increased security from police and from our own security force. We have a large number of cameras around Villa Park...many of them hidden. IF someone does commit a crime, we will nab them.
What progress if any is being made towards the expansion of Villa Park?
Expansion of Villa Park is something that we are studying right now. It is a holistic view...not just at one part of the Park (ie. North Stand) but all of Villa Park.
Are there any plays for the redevelopment of the North Stand?
North stand will be part of the study.
Is there any plans on statues being erected around Villa Park of past legends?
We will have a statue of the founder of the league placed at the ground.
Are there any aspects of military life that can apply to your role at Villa Park?
There are a good many similarities between the military and my role at AVFC. Perhaps the most important is the value of good planning, hard work, and superb execution.
Do you have any views on the globalization of the premiership?
From a personal standpoint, I would not like to see the Premiership go "global" at this time.
Speaking as an outsider looking in, what is your view on none of the home nations qualifying for the European Championships?
I do not consider myself an "outsider"...not after all the time I have spent in the UK. Remember, I lived here for years. I am saddened by the fact that we did not qualify and I think it says a good deal about how we a) select the squad and b) how much time is allocated to training the squad selected.
Where do you see Aston Villa in 5 years time?
I see Villa as a consistently winning side and in Europe. I see us with a world-wide reputation for excellence and a strong following around the Nation and World.
In past seasons, a lot of none-brits have taken over english clubs. And this had upset a lot of the fans of these clubs. Yet this wasn't the case at Villa as fans welcomed the takeover with open arms. Why do you think this is?
Randy came to Villa with a clear understanding of English football and of the ethos and tradition of AVFC. He kept his mouth shut...believeing that his actions would speak louder than words. He came with a desire to open lines of communications with fans and to improve all aspects of the Club. He does not believe in "quick fixes"...he has a plan and will execute that plan.
What sort of music do you listen to? And who's your favorite band?
I like 60's music and some country and western. My favorite group is the Beatles.
What's your views on the goal line technology debate?
I am a fan of technology and I think a goal line camera is a good idea. No referee is perfect.
We are in year 2 of the 5 year plan Randy Lerner talked about when he took over. Do you feel we are ahead, behind or on course to deliver champions league football within 5 years?
We are right on schedule.
If you could ask 20 Aston Villa fans any question, what would it be and why?
What do they feel about the "Randy Revolution"...do they realize how fortunate they are to have an owner like Randy?
There was a lot of talk about disagreements with Yourself and Birmingham staff earlier in the season. What's your view on what had happened?
The "pig in the mud" comment was taken totally out of context. I was surprised at how much was made of it...and surprised that it continued as a topic for such a long time.
Being a football fan like the rest of us, if you could sign one player in the world, who would it be?
Drogba or Gerrard
 
We would like to thank the General for his interview and all the hard work he and Randy continue to do at Villa Park.
Discuss this interview over at the Aston Villa Forums
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